therefore
Adverb
- (used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
- "therefore X must be true"
- as a consequence
Adv
- Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
- for that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)
Examples
- I left the office at 5 o'clock. I was therefore not there when the fire started a quarter of an hour later.
- I've been explicitly forbidden to leave and therefore must stay longer.
- Traditional values will always have a place—therefore, they will never lose relevance.
Origin / Etymology
From Middle English therfore, therfor, tharfore, thorfore; synchronically a univerbation of there (pronominal adverb) + for, literally “for that (reason)”. The spelling has been changed due to a reanalysis as there + fore (literally “forward from that; thence”). See also therefor, ultimately the same formation.
Compare Saterland Frisian deerfoar, Dutch daarvoor, German dafür, Danish and Norwegian derfor, Swedish därför.
Synonyms
consequently, hence, so, thence, thus, accordingly, as a result, as such, eo ipso, ergo, in that case, subsequently, then, thereby, therefore, to that end, to this end, whence, wherefore, ∴
Antonyms
nevertheless, to that end, to this end
Scrabble Score: 15
therefore: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordtherefore: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
therefore: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary